A Travel Guide to Dambulla: Things to do & Must See Places

Visitors to Sri Lanka flock to enjoy its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and culture. This teardrop island also has a long and rich history, dating back to prehistoric times. Making up the cultural triangle along with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, Dambulla is one of the most ancient cities in the country. Once powerful kingdoms, these cities are now home to some of the oldest ruins and monuments in the island. Take a trip back in time and find the best things to do in Dambulla as you discover more about its vibrant cultural heritage and history.

Attractions in Dambulla are plentiful, and visitors will have a number of sites to explore, and places to stay.

The Dambulla cave temple consists of a series of caves containing ancient Buddhist shrines, situated 160m above the surrounding plains. Providing breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside, it is considered one of the best places to visit in Dambulla. The caves are adorned with Buddha statues, murals, and religious symbols dating back to the first century BC. Visitors have the opportunity to explore 5 caves, making it a must-see attraction for those interested in religious and historical sites.

The Sigiriya Lion Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions. Located about 30 minutes away from Dambulla, this breathtaking site is a must-visit for travellers exploring the two towns. The grand entrance is designed to depict an enormous stone lion, and its paws are still intact today. The palace complex also served as a monastery, and boasts exquisitely landscaped gardens and water and boulder gardens. The western wall of Sigiriya is adorned with captivating frescoes.

Another must-see Dambulla site is this man-made forest, located just a few minutes away from the heart of the town. It was created by an Englishman named Sam Popham. Over time, this area has transformed into a sanctuary for various wildlife species including butterflies, spotted deer, wild boar, porcupine, mouse deer, rock squirrels, and a variety of bird species. However, it is best-known for being the home of the rare Slender loris. Visit the arboretum and take a night stroll to catch a glimpse of this unusual creature.

In Dambulla, one of the best places to visit are the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs. They are often overlooked by visitors to the area, despite their historical significance. These tombs hold the remains of a number of prehistoric inhabitants. Archaeologists have also unearthed a variety of artefacts including clay pots, iron and copper objects, gold items, beads, and necklaces. The excavation site spans about 15 acres, making it a truly remarkable find in the country.

Located just an hour away from Dambulla, the Minneriya National Park provides an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of Sri Lanka. Embark on a jeep safari across the lush terrain and explore one of the park’s main attractions, the Minneriya reservoir. This national park is home to a magnificent herd of Asian elephants, and if you plan your visit during the dry season, you’ll be able to witness an amazing sight of around 300 elephants grazing and bathing near the reservoir.

The Pidurangala Rock is situated a short distance away from the Sigiriya rock fortress, and offers a stunning view of the latter. Pidurangala Rock also houses the Pidurangala Vihara, a pristine white temple and monastery used by Buddhist monks. Though it’s less frequented by tourists, the highest point of the rock offers an incredible view, making it one of the more unique tourist attractions in Dambulla.

Tourists to the area can choose to stay in luxury hotels like Jetwing Lake, which offers a tranquil setting facing the Siyambalaweva tank, a spacious pool, and spa facilities, with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.

Embark on a cultural and historical adventure to the ancient town of Dambulla, to discover its true charm.